Elite squad and Humboldt square off in Yreka

Tuesday

Jan 29, 2013 at 9:01 AMJan 29, 2013 at 9:06 AM

Judd Hanna for the Daily News

Build as a team, and get better every week. That has been this season's motto for the State of Jefferson Elite Rugby program, and it was put to the test on Saturday as they met the Humboldt Old Growth (HOGs). With a little break in the weather, and soggy field conditions, the Elite came out ready to avenge last season's heartbreaking loss. The match started out with both teams matched evenly, but strong play from Humboldt's forwards kept the ball on their side of the pitch for much of the first half. With the Elite down just 12-0, the first big break for the local men came by way of a Humboldt penalty. The forwards took possession and started to make a break toward the try line, but the wet conditions made for a slippery ball, and it was lost forward (a penalty), and the HOGs regained possession. The Elite started the second half ready to play, but the HOGs did an excellent job of maintaining possession of the ball as they switched tactics to a kicking game, keeping the ball away from the Elite's defenders. In the end, the HOGs managed to score three more tries in the second half and kept the Elite from scoring. There were plenty of highlights for the Elite, who, as usual, came ready to hit hard. "There were aspects of the game we did improve on. Being a new team to rugby, you can't expect to win a lot in the beginning," stated team president, Jake Peltier. Newcomers to the game, Jessie Ramirez and Joe Hopper, both were punishing ball carriers and tackled well. The Elite's 8-man, Justin Griffith, was awarded Man-of-the-Match by the Humboldt side for his excellent tackling and strong ball carrying. "We just have to stick with it and keep moving forward," stated Petlier. The Elite will play again at home this Saturday, February 2, at Lower Greenhorn, 1:30 p.m., against the Redwood Empire. Come out to watch some fast-paced, hard-hitting action.